American Exports preview: Cameron, Stoke visit Chelsea

Greg Seltzer

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu (Stoke) - Chelsea vs. Stoke City (Saturday, 10 am on Fox Soccer)

The two new boys will hope for their first up-close look at the Champions League holders, with the former bidding to regain a starting place in midfield and Edu more likely to provide bench support. The Potters have failed to score at Stamford Bridge in 390 minutes across all competitions, and haven't beaten Chelsea there in 38 years. An ankle twist may keep midweek hero Oscar out for the Blues.

Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj (AV) - Southampton vs. Aston Villa (Saturday, 10 am on Fox Soccer 2Go)

Both in-form US internationals should start against the promoted Saints, who Guzan has never faced. The Villans have two wins and two draws from their last four trips south, but this time they must go without injured duo Marc Albrighton and Richard Dunne.

Clint Dempsey, Brad Friedel (Spurs) - Tottenham Hotspur vs. Queens Park Rangers (Sunday, 1 pm on Fox Soccer Plus)

Regardless of what Fabien Barthez might think, Friedel should return to the lineup after a midweek breather for the Europa League draw at home. Dempsey will also hope to start after a fine debut. Tottenham have dropped just one of the last 16 derby clashes at White Hart Lane, but QPR did scrape a home win in the most recent meeting. Each side has a key attacker facing a late fitness test: Emmanuel Adebayor for Spurs and Adel Taarabt for the visitors.

GERMAN BUNDESLIGA

Jermaine Jones (S04) - Schalke vs. Bayern Munich (Saturday, 9:30 am on GolTV)

The feisty midfielder is off to a fine start to the campaign, but now he and the Miners must tackle mighty Bayern. Both teams will enter unbeaten in six league games dating back to last season, when Schalke lost both clashes to FC Hollywood without Jones. Traditionally rude guests, Bayern have won five of the last six at Veltins.

Steve Cherundolo (H96), Fabian Johnson, Daniel Williams (HOFF) - Hoffenheim vs. Hannover 96 (Sunday, 11:30 am)

All three compatriots are expected to retain their starting places when the cellar dwellers host a Reds side hot on the heels of the leaders. While Hannover have yet to drop a competitive match away from home this term, they have yet to win at Rhein-Neckar-Arena in four tries.